IT Data Management - Journey (Olympia) Database Administrator

State of Washington; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington’s DCYF seeks an IT Data Management - Journey (Database Administrator Journey) in Thurston County (Olympia) to manage Microsoft SQL Server databases, security, disaster recovery, and data estate analysis to support children, youth, and families.

The role requires MS SQL Server expertise, experience with Azure DevOps, Purview and Power Platform, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams in a regulated government setting.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively complex problem solving as a Database Administrator/Architect of large-scale databases.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, data management, information systems or related field and four years of relevant DBA experience.
• Experience with MSSQL security, clustering, backup/recovery, and encryption settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in regulated environments.
• Two years of MSSQL database administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure availability, integrity and quality of DCYF databases and related standards.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture and Development teams to improve database architecture standards.
• Conduct regular data security audits and ensure compliance with state/federal requirements.
• Perform database code reviews and disaster recovery exercises.
• Provide data management expertise for business continuity planning.

Skills

Relational DB administration

SQL Server tuning

Security audits

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Tools

Microsoft SQL Server

Azure DevOps

Microsoft Purview

Power Platform

Job description

Description

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy —thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community.”

Job Title: IT Data Management - Journey (Database Administrator Journey)

Location: Thurston County – Olympia, Washington
Closes: November 1st, 2026
Salary: $90,096.00 - $121,176.00 Annually

IT plays an important role in helping DCYF support children, youth, and families by providing the technology and systems staff need to deliver effective services. From supporting social workers and Juvenile Rehabilitation facilities to developing innovative solutions, DCYF IT helps staff work more efficiently and improve outcomes for children and families across Washington.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced Database Administrator to join our mission-driven team of Data Management professionals. This is an opportunity to advance the DCYF mission of serving children, youth and families through continual improvement of Data Management services. This position will act as the Data Management representative for database security, disaster recovery/business continuity and data estate analysis. Additionally, this position will provide analysis of DCYF data assets to leadership and customers. The successful candidate must be able to work professionally & effectively with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders. Microsoft MSSQL administration & architecture experience required. Experience with Azure DevOps, Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Power Platform desired.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Ensures the availability, integrity and quality of DCYF databases and related standards, processes and procedures.
• Works with Enterprise Architecture and Development teams to continuously improve database architecture standards and practices.
• Ensures data security via regular audits. Ensures security compliance with legal & DCYF standards. Continuously improves data security processes and procedures.
• Conducts database code reviews as needed.
• Implementing and exercising database disaster recovery plans.
• Providing consultation to senior management to ensure the effective use of existing and emerging data technologies.
• Monitors, analyzes and reports data estate metadata.
• Research and prototypes new upgrades and technology to improve database performance and functionality.
• Provide Data Management expertise to business continuity & disaster recovery planning.
• Analyze and tune configuration and performance of resources across the DCYF data estate.
• Develop, maintain and implement database security plans, ensuring compliance with security and privacy requirements.
• Provide consultation to senior management to ensure the effective use of existing and emerging data technologies.

Required Qualifications:

Five years of progressively more complex problem solving experience as a Database Administrator/ Architect of large-scale databases with mission critical business functions.

OR

Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, data management, information systems or related field AND Four (4) years of progressively more complex problem solving experience as a Database Administrator of large-scale databases with mission critical business functions

AND

• Working knowledge of relational database administration and development techniques for Microsoft SQL Server including installation, profiling, monitoring and optimization.
• Working knowledge of SQL server configuration including clustering, high availability, logging, encryption settings, backup and recovery strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment where IT assets and data are subject to a broad range of State and federal information security requirements and regulations.
• Two (2) years of MSSQL database administration experience.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Additional required qualifications:

• Two years of practical experience administering MSSQL security.
• Working knowledge of relational database administration and development techniques for Microsoft SQL Server including installation, profiling, monitoring and optimization.
• Working knowledge of SQL server configuration including clustering, high availability, logging, encryption settings, backup and recovery strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Experience working in a highly regulated environment where IT assets and data are subject to a broad range of State and federal information security requirements and regulations.

Desirable/Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough understanding of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)
• SQL certification or knowledge of SQL Server TSQL
• CISSP certification
• Knowledge of distributed monitoring tools like Redgate Monitor, Splunk or LogicMonitor
• Knowledge of Microsoft Purview, SQL replication, PowerShell and Agile Training.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you’re experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or email [e-mail]. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment